Tusen Tankar (“Thousand Thoughts”)

thousand thoughts oppress me
for love of one who can’t be mine.
As through the world I ramble,
all I can do is pine.
All I can feel is the pain I bear
and it’s all for you, my dear.
Mankind’s false heart betrayed me
and left me in despair.

If I had never seen you,
Your hands, your face, your clear blue eyes,
If I had never been there
The first time you walked by,
I might have spent my days in joy,
I might be content and free.
The day will never dawn now
When sorrow leaves me be.

The pretty flowers of summer
I see them everywhere I go,
But death is all I long for,
Since your love I’ll never know.
And if my fate’s to die for you,
To you I’ll leave my pain,
For never while I’m living
Will I be free again.
–translation, Alistair Cochrane at Northside